Frequently Asked Questions

Quotes and Reservations

How do I get a free moving quote?
You can get a free moving quote online or call U-Pack directly at 800-355-1696.

When is the best time to move?
Moving rates tend to be higher on certain days - particularly during the last week of the month. You can save money by receiving your trailer on "off-peak" moving days.

When should I reserve my move?
ABF recommends that you reserve your move as soon as possible! Our moves are reserved based on availability so it is very important to reserve your move now – this will secure the needed equipment and guarantee your move date. We require no deposit to reserve your move and we also have a very lenient cancellation policy. Reserve your move today!

When and how do I pay for my move?
Payment arrangements are made when you make your reservation. Credit cards, money orders or cashiers' checks are acceptable. Money orders and cashiers' checks are collected when your shipment is delivered; credit cards used for payment are charged during transit.

If you plan to use a credit or debit card to pay for your move, you may want to call your bank or credit card company in advance to let them know. Many companies have daily limits and security measures in place to protect their customers. If this is the case, your card may be declined. A simple phone call to your bank or credit card company will allow the charge to go through.

Do you require a deposit?
We do not require a deposit. However, we do require a credit card to hold your reservation. If the card is used only for reservation, nothing is charged to your card unless you cancel your reservation within a week of your move. A cancellation fee (charged to the credit card) of $50.00 will apply if cancellation occurs within a week prior to your move date. A cancellation fee of $150.00 will apply if cancellation occurs on the day of your move.

What if I need to change or cancel my reservation date?
If you need to change your reservation date, you may do so free of charge. If it is necessary to cancel your reservation, some fees may apply.

• If your move is more than one week away, there will be no charge.
• If the cancellation occurs within one week of the move, there will be a $50 charge.
• If it is on the day of the move, there will be a $150 charge.

What about loss, damage or theft? Are my goods insured?
ABF has one of the lowest claims ratio in the industry. In the year 2010, 99.11% of ABF U-Pack shipments were handled claim free.

Since you pack and load your own goods, which are secured behind our supplied bulkhead/security divider, ABF is only responsible for loss or damage caused by our negligence. We are not responsible for damage caused by improper packing or loading. Your U-Pack price quote includes limited liability coverage of $.10 per pound per piece for your goods for loss or damage caused by ABF during transit. For catastrophic loss due to collision, overturn, or fire, coverage of $3.00 per pound per piece is also included with your U-Pack price quote. Additional cargo coverage for carrier negligence is available at an additional charge. For more information, please review our liability statement.

I forgot my reference number; how do I retrieve my quote?
You can retrieve your moving quote online or call U-Pack directly at 800-355-1696.

I have a reference number but need to make updates; how can I do that online?
You can make changes to your moving quote online or call U-Pack directly at 800-355-1696.

I have my reference number and I need to view it; how can I do that online?
You can view your moving quote online here.

I requested a moving quote from U-Pack but never received it. What happened?
If you did not receive an immediate response, you should receive a quote via email by the end of the business day. If you do not receive an email, you can view your moving quote online and learn on that page how your email service may be preventing the email from arriving to your inbox.

What is a Bill of Lading or BOL?
It is a contract between a carrier (ABF) and a shipper (you) for the transportation of goods and a receipt issued by a carrier to a shipper for goods received for transportation. It is also evidence of title to the goods in case of a dispute.

ABF will mail, e-mail or fax a copy of your BOL prior to your move date, so that you'll have the opportunity to review it and become familiar with its terms. Take the time to read your BOL and contact your moving coordinator with questions or concerns.

You may review an example of a Door-to-door delivery U-Pack Bill of Lading online in PDF format.
If you have a problem reviewing the bill of lading, you may need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available for free online.

How can I save $25 on my move?
By successfully completing your reservation online between 01/24/2012 and 03/31/2012, you can save $25 on your move.

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About U-Pack and ABF

Is ABF U-Pack Moving a member of the Better Business Bureau?
ABF U-Pack is a proud member of the Better Business Bureau. You may get a report of ABF's current standing by either visiting BBB Online or you may contact the Better Business Bureau for the state of Arkansas at 501-664-7274. You will need to enter our toll free number, 800-355-1696, to access our company's information. To see what our existing customers have to say about our service, you may also reference our customer comments page.

What are your DOT and Motor Carrier numbers?
ABF's Motor Carrier (Interstate Operating Authority) number is MC299107342. Our DOT (Department of Transportation) number is 082866.

Where is the nearest ABF service center to my residence?
ABF services its customers with 290 service centers and 13,000 employees. ABF's strong foundation has made it possible for ABF U-Pack Moving to become the leader in the self-move industry.

How do I know how much space I will use?
To get the most accurate price possible for your move, it is important to know the amount of space you will need. Visit our Space Estimators to calculate the needed linear footage for your move.

What size are ABF's trailers?
Most of ABF's trailers are 28 feet long, 8 feet 6 inches wide, and 9 feet tall. This is equivalent in size to a 26' rental truck plus another 10' rental truck and holds 2000 cubic feet. Your shipment will be loaded in the front of the trailer. Any space you do not use will be separated by the bulkhead we provide and used for commercial freight.

What is a linear foot?
A linear foot is used to measure your loading space in the trailer - simply a foot (12 inches) in length. Keep in mind that for each foot in length, you have the full width (8 feet) and height (9 feet) of trailer space for loading. In summary, a linear foot is 1' x 8' x 9'.

If I'm only using the space I need, what goes on the rest of the trailer?
Your shipment would be the first and only U-Pack shipment in your trailer. ABF is a commercial carrier, which means we may load the rest of your trailer with anything from cartoned clothing to palletized machinery. Keep in mind that your goods will be separated from other shipments by our pre-assembled bulkhead.

What if I use more (or less) space than I anticipated?
We understand it can be difficult to predict the amount of trailer space you need for your move. You will be quoted a "per foot" charge that will apply if you use more or less space, subject to a minimum charge. You and your ABF driver will measure your shipment to determine your final rate.

What if my shipment is very small?
U-Pack offers weatherproof ReloCubes for both Door-to-door and Terminal-to-terminal delivery service. These storage containers are ideal for moving one room of furnishings and can be locked for added security. Our ReloCubes are approximately 6'3"D x 7'W x 8'4"H which allows them to easily fit into a parking space. Storage is available for an additional charge.

Will ABF provide a ramp or other loading equipment?
ABF offers complimentary ramps at most locations to use while loading/unloading your trailer.

ABF does not provide any dollies or other equipment that may be necessary to load your goods. Many rental stores offer ramps, dollies and other loading materials. Check your yellow pages under "Rental Equipment" or "Rental Stores and Yards."

What is a bulkhead, and how do I set one up?
ABF will provide a fully assembled bulkhead for your move. A bulkhead is a partition, or divider, that separates your shipment from the rest of the trailer. To view a bulkhead and installation tips, please visit our bulkhead information page.

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Transport and Delivery

How do I track my shipment?
You can track your shipment 24 hours-a-day online or by calling 1-800-FOR-ABFS.

Where does ABF park my trailer or ReloCube^®?
ABF equipment can be parked in a residential driveway, an approved parking lot, or in a legal street parking area. The height of an ABF trailer requires a 14 feet clearance with a width clearance requirement of 10 feet. If moving in a trailer, please ensure that parking a 28 foot trailer in your neighborhood is not violating any city ordinances.

ReloCubes are approximately 6'3"D x 7'W x 8'4"H and only take up a parking space worth of room which makes it easy to find a suitable location for them while you pack and load. Delivery requires a level, hard surface for placement at your location.

If necessary, obtain a permit or permission from city officials to have the unit parked at your residence. If the ABF equipment is ticketed or towed for illegal parking, the applicable charges will be added to your freight bill.

Will ABF pick up my goods from more than one location?
Your trailer can only be left at one location. If you have items in multiple places, consider consolidating them to one location. This will help make your move easier and less stressful.

What if I'm moving to or from a storage unit?
ABF can deliver your trailer to a storage unit for loading or unloading. You should check with the property manager for permission to leave our 28 foot trailer on the premises overnight.

How much time do I have to load my goods?
In most instances, you are allowed up to 3 working days at both origin and destination to load/unload your shipment. Arrangements can be made if additional time is needed. Contact your U-Pack representative for more information.

When can my pick-up and delivery be made?
ABF picks up and delivers trailers on weekdays only.

What time of day will my trailer or ReloCube be delivered or picked up?
Most appointments are made at the time of reservation with a U-Pack representative. If an appointment is not set at the time of reservation, your local terminal will schedule a window of time. This window of time is estimated based on equipment and driver availability on the day of your move. A trailer or ReloCube will be provided on the date you choose, but the time is not guaranteed unless a guaranteed time window is requested. Contact your U-Pack Representative at 800-355-1696 for availability and rates.

Contact your local terminal to schedule pick up of the loaded trailer.

Can I request that my trailer or ReloCube be dropped off and picked up in the same business day?
This request must be approved by the local ABF terminal at the time of reservation. You may call U-Pack at 800-355-1696 to discuss this option. As a reminder, if it is approved to drop and pick up the trailer or ReloCube in the same day, it is still the customer's responsibility to arrange for parking for that day.

How long will it take my shipment to get to destination?
Every U-Pack quote comes with an estimated transit time. Transit begins with the first business day after ABF picks up the loaded trailer or ReloCube. (Business days for ABF do not include Saturdays, Sundays or major holidays.)

When your trailer or ReloCube arrives at the destination terminal, ABF allows a two-day grace period to accept delivery of your goods if you have not pre-arranged optional storage.

Can U-Pack guarantee my delivery date? Can U-Pack provide faster transit?
Absolutely! U-Pack can guarantee your delivery date, plus you can also choose from expedited and deferred service options for most moves. U-Pack guaranteed options really do provide peace of mind when planning your move. If you need a specific date of delivery, give U-Pack a call at 800-355-1696 to learn more about U-Pack’s Guaranteed Service options.

What happens if I request U-Pack Guaranteed Service and my shipment is late?
U-Pack's Guaranteed Service is more than a commitment; it's a promise! We are so confident in our Guaranteed Service that we are willing to back it with a 100% Customer Satisfaction Guarantee. If your shipment fails to arrive on the guaranteed date, U-Pack will reduce your charges by up to 100%.

What if I only want to guarantee the exact time that my move equipment will be spotted?
U-Pack Guaranteed Service options cover this scenario also. You can guarantee a one hour delivery window for $150 or a two hour window for $75. Both of these options are backed by the full U-Pack 100% Customer Satisfaction Guarantee. To book the guaranteed delivery window option at the start of your move, call us at 800-355-1696.

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Optional Services and Charges

Will my price ever change?
Although rare, there are several reasons a customer's price could be different from the original price quoted. Please review our list of optional services that may affect your price.

Where can I purchase boxes and other moving supplies?
ABF does sell boxes as a separate service from the transportation services. You can order boxes from U-Pack and they will be delivered direct to your door. If you make a U-Pack reservation in combination with your box order, you will receive a 10% discount off of your boxes and supplies! The most popular items are included in packages, to make it even easier for you to order the right amount and sizes. For your convenience, please use the Box Estimator to determine just how many you will need.

Will ABF move my automobile?
Although our trailers are not designed to transport automobiles, ABF U-Pack does work closely with Auto and Boat Relocation Service who can provide a free quote for automobile transportation.

Can I pay a little extra to have the driver help me load or unload?
U-Pack cannot furnish loading labor help with the self-move service. However, there are a couple of options for you to consider: loading help from MovingStaffers.com that you can combine with U-Pack transportation or full service moving from MoveBuilder.com.

Can I store my ReloCube^® or trailer shipment?
Yes, you can store your shipment with ABF, whether you are moving in a ReloCube or in a trailer. Trailer storage is subject to availability. ABF ReloCube storage fees range from $95.00 to $145.00 per container per 30 day period. Trailer storage fees range from $395.00 to $495.00 per trailer per 30 day period. Your shipment will be safely stored at the terminal nearest your residence and will not be accessible on a self-service basis.

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Packing & Loading

What cannot be shipped on an ABF U-Pack shipment?
Your shipment should not include anything that is poisonous, flammable, corrosive or perishable. Such items include, but are not limited to, the following:

If you ship used outdoor household articles from a federally regulated gypsy moth area into the state of California, you must certify that the used outdoor articles have been inspected in accordance with the California Food and Agriculture Code and do not contain gypsy moth egg masses. Any questionable items should not be shipped. A completed USDA Gypsy Moth Self-Inspection Checklist must be provided to ABF at least 5 business days prior to the trailer or ReloCube being spotted at origin.

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